FRANSAT, SAMSUNG and NEOTION break new ground for satellite TV reception in France

FRANSAT, SAMSUNG and NEOTION today unveiled the new face of satellite reception of free DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) channels in France. The three companies have combined their skills to integrate a satellite receiver and a DTT module for FRANSAT into Samsung televisions in its 2012 range (ES series). The pack comprises a decryption module produced by Neotion and an access card for subscription-free reception of FRANSAT, the French satellite TV platform owned by Eutelsat.

This new product takes reception of FRANSAT to new levels of simplicity. Viewers no longer need an external set-top-box or a second remote control. They simply need to slot the FRANSAT access card into the module and then insert the module into the Common Interface (CI) of the TV set which is already pre-equipped with a satellite tuner.

The system uses the CI Plus specification which is designed to support the authentication and encryption mechanisms that provide a secure channel between the Conditional Access Module (CAM) and Samsung’s integrated digital TV (IDTV). The module developed by Neotion uses Viaccess conditional access and complies with the high technical, functionality and security parameters set by FRANSAT.

This integrated solution is compatible in the first phase with Samsung’s ES series of IDTVs (5700/6300/65X0/6710/7000/8000). Using the HbbTV standard, these LED displays also enable access to interactive services that will progressively be rolled out on the FRANSAT platform. FRANSAT modules will be commercialised in France at the recommended retail price of 129€. Sales will start in the Boulanger chain of stores and via the Andom, Pulsat, Compétence and DEFI networks of antenna specialists, prior to being progressively extended to other retail outlets.